Release of a Framework for Sustainable Development

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment and Labour, today released a document for public information entitled "A Framework For A Sustainable Development Strategy". The document was prepared for government by the Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. The round table was established in 1990 to advise government on sustainable development and to prepare a framework for government to develop a sustainable development strategy. Round table members feel the document being released today goes further by providing a framework that any group, community or organization might use in planning.

Mr. Aylward commended the round table for its efforts. "Obviously, a lot of hard work and thought has gone into this document. This framework provides very valuable insight into the concept of sustainable development. It will serve as an important guiding document that sets out a vision, key principles, goals and tools for sustainable development." Sustainable development is defined as development that meets today's needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Judy Rowell, chairperson of the round table, stated: "Everyone is a stakeholder in sustainable development. Clearly, government, business and organizations can play important roles in ensuring that development is sustainable, but individual action is also critical."

Key principles outlined in the framework include, the principle of responsibility, respect for cultural heritage, conservation and accountability. There are nine goals in the framework, including effective natural resource management and community self-empowerment.

Ms. Rowell said: "It is our hope that government, municipalities and other groups will assess the framework, endorse it, and begin the process of incorporating the elements into their planning in a formal manner." The document will be distributed widely throughout the province for use by regional development zonal boards, municipalities, businesses and others.

The round table consisted of individuals representing various sectors, including government, business, labour, environmental groups, and the social sector. Members served on a voluntary basis. With the release of this document, the mandate of the round table has been fulfilled. Government will build on the work of the group through existing processes and the newly formed Premier's Advisory Council on Economy and Technology chaired by Peter Woodward. Mr. Woodward stated: "The framework will be reviewed by our members and I'm sure it will provide valuable guidance into the concept and principles of sustainable development."

The document is available from the Department of Environment and Labour.

Contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575 For copies of the report contact:

• Department of Environment and Labour
  Policy and Planning Division
  St. John's, NF
  (709) 729-0027

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  OVERVIEW OF THE FRAMEWORK

  - The report is designed as an aid to planning, and while directed at government, it may be used by any group, community or organization to ensure that planning efforts incorporate sustainable development issues. The framework is not prescriptive but provides advice and guidance only.

  - The focus of the framework is sustainable development, that is, development that meets today's needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. To this end, the document sets out fundamental principles of sustainable development, goals and tools that may be used to move toward sustainability.

  - The report outlines six principles for sustainable development, as follows;

  - Stewardship; the need for responsible stewardship by government, industry and individuals;
  - Cultural Heritage: Respect for cultural heritage;
  - Conservation: The need for conservation and wise use of resources based on the precautionary principle;
  - Inclusiveness: The need for inclusiveness in the decision making process on environmental issues;
  - Global Responsibility: There are no rigid boundaries to the environment, therefore, there is a need to "think globally and act locally"; and
  - Accountability: We must acknowledge our responsibility for our actions and be prepared to demonstrate a willingness to be fully accountable for them.

  - The report also sets out several goals for a sustainable development strategy, as follows:

  - promote environmental citizenship (ie. The environment as a collective goal);
  - generate sustainable employment;
  - effective natural resource management;
  - maintain and improve land quality;
  - maintain and improve water quality;
  - maintain and improve air quality;
  - pollution prevention and effective waste management;
  - conserve biological diversity; and
  - encourage and facilitate community self employment.

  - The report identifies a list of tools to facilitate the transition to a sustainable society. Some of these tools are:

  - integrated resource management;
  - effective land use planning;
  - environmental assessment;
  - economic instruments;
  - voluntary action; and
  - education.